Textile sealing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus includes a first sealing strip having a base that includes a first set of fastener elements carried on its surface in two spaced-apart areas; and extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element is protruding from said the base. A complimentary second sealing strip also includes a base comprising a second set of fastener elements on its surface in two spaced-apart areas; and extending along the surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element is protruding from the base for non-interlocking engagement of the first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This application relates generally to a sealing apparatus usable in textile applications. More specifically, this application relates to a sealing apparatus that can be applied to clothing, hand bags, golf bags, coolers, etc. The sealing apparatus utilizes a combination of hook and loop type separable fastener elements and sealing elements such that when the apparatus is engaged, a water impermeable seal is created.

SUMMARY

Hook and loop style separable fasteners are well known and are used to join two members detachably to each other. Described herein is a textile sealing apparatus that combines the functionality of said fasteners with a sealing mechanism such that the apparatus is water impermeable. Application of the disclosed sealing apparatus to textile goods provides a simple waterproof seal, which can be utilized for various items with closable openings such as pockets, bags, coolers, etc. The apparatus is of simple construction and can be used anywhere it is it is desirable to have a simple mechanism of creating a separable water impermeable seal.

In particular, this application discloses a water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a first set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element protruding from said first side of said base; a second sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a second set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; and, extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element protruding from said first side of said base for non-interlocking engagement of said first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged.

This application also discloses a water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a first set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element protruding from said first side of said base; a second sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a second set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element protruding from said first side of said base for non-interlocking engagement of said first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged; wherein at least one of the first and second sealing elements are magnetic such that a force of attraction is generated when the first and second sealing strips are brought together; and, wherein the base portion of at least one of the sealing strips is water impermeable.

This application further discloses a water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a first set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element protruding from said first side of said base; a second sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a second set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element protruding from said first side of said base for non-interlocking engagement of said first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged; wherein the first sealing element is made of a compressible material and the second sealing surface is wedge shaped such that when the first and second sealing strips are engaged, the wedged surface of the second sealing surface compresses the material of the first sealing element thereby creating a continuous water impermeable seal between the first and second sealing elements; and, wherein the base portion of at least one of the sealing strips is water impermeable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the textile sealing apparatus shown with the sealing strips separated;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in FIG. 1 showing the two sealing strips engaged;

FIGS. 3-5 sequentially illustrate the engagement of the two sealing strips of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the textile sealing apparatus shown with the sealing strips separated;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus in FIG. 6 showing the two sealing strips engaged;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the textile sealing apparatus shown with the sealing strips separated;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus in FIG. 8 showing the two sealing strips engaged; and,

FIGS. 10-12 sequentially illustrate the engagement of the two sealing strips of the apparatus in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the textile sealing apparatus 10 of the present invention. The device 10 includes a first sealing strip 12 and a second sealing strip 14, each including a base 16 with first 18 and second surfaces 20. The base portion 16 of the first sealing strip 12 includes a first set of fastener elements 22 carried on the first surface 18 in two spaced-apart areas. As shown, the first fastener elements 22 are comprised of loop 24 structures as is common in hook and loop fasteners. The base portion 16 of the second sealing strip 14 includes a second set of fastener elements 26 carried on the first surface 18 in two spaced-apart areas. The second fastener elements 26 are comprised of hook structures 28. It should be appreciated that the hook and loop structures may be located on the opposite strips and be equally effective. Further, besides the hook and loop fastener elements shown in the figures, many other loop or fiber engaging shapes may be used, such as mushrooms, palm trees, or canted spikes.

Extending along the first surface 18 of the base portions 16, between the two areas of the first 22 and second 26 sets of fastener elements, are first 30 and second 32 sealing elements. The sealing elements are fixably attached and protrude from the base portions 16. And in the first embodiment, are comprised of planer magnets 34. The magnets 34 are oriented such that the opposite poles face each other and a force of attraction is generated when the first 12 and second 14 sealing strips are brought together. Thus, when the first 12 and second 14 sealing strips are brought together, the first 22 and second 26 fastening elements, and more specifically the loop 24 and hook 28 portions, engage each other and the magnets 34 of the first 30 and second 32 sealing elements engage one another in a non-interlocking manner, such that a water impermeable seal 36 is created. As used herein, the term “non-interlocking” refers to a seal that is distinguishable from a seal that relies on the complimentary pairing of male and female components such as with a “ZIPLOC” or similar interlocking devices. It should be appreciated that the apparatus may also utilize just one magnet on one of the sealing strips that may engage with a magnet attractive surface on the opposite sealing strip and still be effective in creating a seal.

To assist in the water impermeable nature of the apparatus 10, the sealing surface of the magnets are preferably covered with an elastomeric material 38 such as rubber, latex, silicon, or like material that is resiliently compressible under a given amount of pressure. The elastomeric material 38 on the surface of the magnets 38 is at least partially compressed when the sealing strips are pressed together during the initial sealing of the apparatus 10. The compression is maintained due to the fastener elements and sealing elements acting in cooperation when the sealing strips are engaged. See FIGS. 3-5. The elastomeric material can substantially cover the magnets as shown in FIGS. 1-5, completely cove, or, alternatively, it may be applied to just the sealing surface as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. An additional means to increase the water impermeable nature of the apparatus 10 is utilize at least one water impermeable base portion 16. Alternatively, the second surface 20 of the base portion 16 may be bound to a water impermeable layer 40. Suitable water impermeable materials for the base 16 or layer 40 are well known in the art and include synthetic polymers.

Regarding the magnets 34 used in the sealing elements, it is contemplated by the inventors that they could be of various shapes and sizes. For example, cylindrical magnets if covered or encapsulated in an elastomeric material that is molded to create a surface that is substantially planer, would be effective as a sealing element.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, shown therein is an additional embodiment of the textile sealing apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the structures described above are the same except of the sealing elements. In this embodiment, the sealing elements are comprised of a resilient compressible portion 42 and a wedge portion 44. As shown, the resilient compressible portion 42 extends along the first surface 18 of the base portion 16 of the first sealing strip 12, and more specifically, between the two areas of the first fastener element 22. Likewise, the wedge portion 44 extends along the first surface 18 of the base portion 16 of the second sealing strip 14, and more specifically, between the two areas of the second fastener element 26. In this embodiment, the sealing wedged portion 44 is protrudes from the base portion 16. Thus, when the first 12 and second 14 sealing strips are brought together, the first 22 and second 26 fastening elements engage each other. This in turn causes the wedged surface 44 of the second sealing surface to compresses the resilient portion 42 of the first sealing element, thereby creating a continuous water impermeable seal 36 in a non-interlocking manner. The compression of the resilient portion 42 and resultant water impermeable seal 36 is maintained due to the fastener elements holding the first 12 and second 14 sealing strips together. See FIGS. 10-12. The wedge portion 44 may be made of a relatively rigid material such as rubber, plastic or other polymer. The compressible portion 42 should be sufficiently compressible such that when the wedge portion 44 comes in contact with it during the engagement of the sealing strips, it deforms the compressible portion 42 to a degree so at to create the water impermeable seal 36. Examples of compressible materials include urethane foam, pliable rubber, and silicon.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is further contemplated by the inventors that the addition of multiple fastener elements and sealing elements to a given sealing apparatus would only increase the water impermeability of the apparatus. Thus, a sealing apparatus that increase the number of sealing elements and/or fastener elements should be treated as an equivalent to the apparatus described above and, therefore; would fall under the broadest interpretation of the following claims. 

1. A water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a first set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element protruding from said first surface of said base; a second sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a second set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; and, extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element protruding from said first surface of said base for non-interlocking engagement of said first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second sealing elements are magnetic such that a force of attraction is generated when the first and second sealing strips are brought together.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first and second sealing elements are covered by an elastomeric material.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first and second sealing elements are covered by an elastomeric material is silicon.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first sealing element is magnetic and the second sealing element is a magnetic attractant such that a force of attraction is generated when the first and second sealing strips are brought together.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first and second sealing elements are covered by an elastomeric material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first and second sealing elements are covered by an elastomeric material is silicon.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base portion of said first sealing strip is made of a water impermeable material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base portion of said first and second sealing strips are made of a water impermeable material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a water impermeable layer integral with the second surface of said base portion of said first sealing strip.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a water impermeable layer integral with the second surface of said base portion of said first sealing strip.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a water impermeable layer integral with the second surface of said base portion of said first and second sealing strips.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first sealing element is made of a compressible material and the second sealing surface is wedge shaped such that when the first and second sealing strips are engaged, the wedged surface of the second sealing surface compresses the material of the first sealing element thereby creating a water impermeable seal between the first and second sealing elements.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the base portion of said first sealing strip is made of a water impermeable material.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the base portion of said first and second sealing strips are made of a water impermeable material.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a water impermeable layer integral with the second surface of said base portion of said first sealing strip.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a water impermeable layer integral with the second surface of said base portion of said first and second sealing strips.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first and second sets of fastener elements together comprise hooks and hook-engageable fibers.
 19. A water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a first set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element protruding from said first surface of said base; a second sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a second set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element protruding from said first surface of said base for non-interlocking engagement of said first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged; wherein at least one of the first and second sealing elements are magnetic such that a force of attraction is generated when the first and second sealing strips are brought together; and, wherein the base portion of at least one of the sealing strips is water impermeable.
 20. A water impermeable sealing apparatus usable in textile applications, the apparatus comprising: a first sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a first set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the first set of fastener elements, a first sealing element protruding from said first surface of said base; a second sealing strip having a base comprising a first and second surface wherein the base portion includes a second set of fastener elements carried on said first surface of said base in two spaced-apart areas; extending along the first surface of the base between the two areas of the second set of fastener elements, a second sealing element protruding from said first surface of said base for non-interlocking engagement of said first sealing element when the first and second fastener elements are engaged; wherein the first sealing element is made of a compressible material and the second sealing surface is wedge shaped such that when the first and second sealing strips are engaged, the wedged surface of the second sealing surface compresses the material of the first sealing element thereby creating a water impermeable seal between the first and second sealing elements; and, wherein the base portion of at least one of the sealing strips is water impermeable. 